Tobacco stemming machine



1933' T. E. PASLEY 1,930,406

I TOBACCQ STEMMINQ MACHINE Original Filed June 50, 193i 6 Sheets-Sheet l 'g I INVENTOR. g z Thamaslilaaley, W" "u I Q Elm: N BY HW L I J Q LQ' i ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1933. T. E. PASLEY TOBACCO S'iEMMING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June 30 Mb \S mw N5. wa mP 5 Q41 7% Y ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1933. I 1: 5, PASLEY TOBACCO STEMMINYG MACHINE Original Filed June 30, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

7720mm ii Pa 5169 BY (Y- Oct. 10, -l933. T. E. PASLEY.

' TOBACCO s'r mmme mcnmz 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed June 30, 1931.

I b@ G INVENTOR.

T/zomas Z. Pasle n WW ' ATTORNEY Oct. 10, 1933. 1-, sLE'Y I I TOBACCO STEMMING MACHINE Original Filed June so. 1931 s Sheets-Sheet '6 22 .16. Thomas E. 4 4525;,

@WMW' A TTORNE Y.

Patented Oct. 10, 1933 7 1,930,406 'ronsoco srsnmma mom Thomas E. Pasley, Roanoke,- Va., assignor,,by

direct and mesne assignments, to Comas Cigarette' Machine Company, Sal

poration of Virginia Application June so, 1931, Serial Renewed Augustfl, 1933 em, Via, a cor- .43 Claims. (01. 131-571 My invention relates to tobacco stemming machines.

a In accordance with my invention I provide a and leaf-feeding means for coaction with the vtbeing such that the stem butting leaf-feeding means positively buttin feeding tobacco stemming machine wherein the tobacco leaves may be fed continuously to stem butting means,.in the form of a layer or layers of leaves,

for stripping the blade from the butt of thestem. After this-action, the layer or layers of tobacco leaves thus treated are fed to the stripping means, which strips the remainder of the blades from the stem. The stripping means thusacts upon a layer or layers of the tobacco leaves,

or a continuously traveling plurality of tobacco leaves, tostrip the same, as distinguished from the individual stripping of each leaf. The layer or layers of tobacco leaves are fed through the butt stemming meansand delivered therefrom to the stemming means in a continuous manner,

whereby the output of themachine is'greatly increased. The machine is relatively simple in construction, cheap to manufacture and reliable in operation.

The stem butting means and the stripping means, each preferably embody a pair of end-v less structures carrying stripping elements, preferably in the form of carding or stripping brushes, which are spaced, are relatively short with relation to the length of the endless structures, and hence afford vacant spaceson the endless struc-' tures The stripping brushes on each pair of endless structures are so timed in operation that the corresponding brushes of the endless struc-' tures come together, during the travel of the endless structures, for effecting the stripping action. a The machine is provided with leaf-feeding means for coaction with the stem butting means,

stripping means, the arrangeme delivers the leaves. to the feeding means of the stripping means. The f culiar construction for coaction with .the stem eans and the stripping means. Such eans embodies pairs of endless devices arranged in superposed' relation for receiving layer or layers of tobacco leaves between the same. These endless devices are adapted for positive binding engagement with the leaves to not only eflect their feeding movement but to prevent the longitudinal displacement of the leaves by the action of the stem butting means and the stripping means. Thefeeding means preferably embodies rolling elements arranged between its enacting parts to reduce thiTfricmeans is of .a pe- I 'iguret, r

tion to the minimum and economize in power for driving the machine.

Means are provided-to accurately-regulate the tension of the endlessstructures of the stem butting means and of the stripping means,'and-to properly force the upper endless structure toward the lower endless structure. Means are also pro-' videdto accuratelyvertically or angularly adjust ,the lower run of the endless 's tructure m the Number 361,937.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and, in which lilge numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure. 1 is a plan view, of a tobacco stemming machine embodying myfinvention,

Figure 2 is a side elevation-of the same,

' Figure 2! is a diagrammatic view showing the action of the stem butting mechanism and stripping mechanism and feedingm'eans therefor,

- Figure 2 is a diagrammaticview showing the action .of thestripping mechanism,

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the same,

Figure 4 is a transverse-section taken on line. 4-.-4 of Figure. 1,

Figure 5 is a similar of Figure" 1,

FigureG is a simiiaryiew taken online H of 'l is a side elevation of the endless belt units embodied in the feeding machines, as viewed from line 'i-'-7 of Figure 1,

Flaure 8.is a.,.sectio n taken on line of 109 viewtaken on line .95.-

Figure 9. 1s 'a fragmentary plan view of one of the stripping elements, Figure 10-is aside elevation of the same, Figure 11 is a transverse section taken on line 1 1--11o i.'Figure10,

Figure 12 is a longitudinal section taken-on line 12-,12 of Figure 1,

Figure 13 is a tr section taken on line f 1.

so, I

Figure 17 is a side elevation of two of the links '7 included in the roller belt.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 20 designates a table top, supported by legs 21. Mounted upon the table top are stripping mechanism 22 and butt stemming mechanism 23, which are identical in all substantial respects, whereby a detail description of one will sufllce for both. These "mecharegulating the nisms extend inwardly from opposite sides of the table top, as shown. Each of these mechanisms 22 and 23, see more particularly Figures 5, 6 and 8, embodies a. lower endless structure including. a pair of spaced sprocket chains 24, having their inner endspassing about sprocket wheels 25, rotatably mounted upon a transverse shaft 26 supported in suitable stationary bearings attached to the table top. The outer ends of this pair of sprocket chains,24 pass about sprocket wheels 27, which are rigidly mounted upon a' shaft 28. The sprocket chains 24'pass through suitable openings in the table top-20 so that their uper runs travel in slidable contact with the upper surface of the table top and, therefore, travel in the same plane and are rigidly held against downward flexing movement. The lower runs of the sprocket chains 24 are engaged by sprocket wheels 29, rigidly mounted upon a transverse shaft 30,- rotatably mounted upon angularly adjustable arms 31. The arms 31 are rigidly mounted upon a rock shaft 32, journaleci in bearings formed upon stationary arms or brackets 33. An adjusting element or screw 34 has screw-threaded engagement'with a lug 35, rigidly carried by the arm or bracket 33, and is arranged to engage behind-one'arm 31. By advancingthe adjusting screw 34, it is obvious that the rock shaft 32 will be turned and the sprocket wheels 29 shifted downwardly into. firmer engagement with the lower runs of the sprocket chains 24, thereby tension of these sprocket chains. It is obviousthatthe arms 31. and associated elements constitute a tension regulating device for co-action with the sprocket chains 24. This device also serves as a power transmitting means, as will be further described.

Each mechanism 22 and 23 also embodiesan upper endless structure, including sprocket chains 35, engaging attheir inner ends, sprocket wheels 36, rotatably mounted upon a shaft 3'7. This shaft is preferablyrigidly attached to lthe inner ends of side members '38, included in a vertically swinging or adjustable support. The outer ends of the side members are pivotally mounted upon bearings 40. The sprocket chains'35, at their 65.

a,- shaft. 3% and this shaft is joumaled-in fixed outer ends, pass about sprocket'wheels 41, rigidly mounted upon the shaft 39. Rigidly connected to the outer ends of the side members, and preferably formed integral therewith, is an upstanding yoke 42, arrangedoutwardly of and near a sta] tionary upstanding yoke 43, preferably formed integral with the bearings 40. Adjustable means are provided to movethe yoke 42 toward and from x the stationary yoke 43, and to lock the same in a selected adjusted position. This adjusting means preferably embodies a bolt-44, having screw- 46 disposed upon opposite sides of the adjustable manipulated to adjust the yoke 42 toward threaded engagement within an opening formed in the yoke 43, and slidably mounted within an provided for co-action with the sprocket chains 35, comprising sprocket wheels 47, which are rigidly mounted up n a transverse shaft 48, rotatably mounted upon bearings formed upon the ends of angularly adjustable arms 49. These arms are rigidly mounted upon a rock shaft 50,

journaled through suitable bearings in the side members 38, so that they turn with the rock shaft.

One arm 49 is provided with an extension 51, to be engaged by adjusting bolt 52, having screwthreaded engagement with a lug 53, rigidly carried by one side member 38. It is thus seen that by manipulating the bolt 52, the sprocket wheels 47 may be moved upwardly to increase thetension upon the sprocket chains 35. This tension regulating device also serves as a power transmitting device, as will be explained.

As clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lower runsof the sprocket chains 35 travel in spaced relation above the upper runs of the sprocket chains 24, and these two sets of sprocket chains are co-extensive in length. The mechanism 22, preferably, embodies a flat pressure plate 54, which is arranged between the side members 38, and is provided at its inner end with U-bolts 55. pivoted upon a transverse shaft 56, rigidly connected with-the side members 38. The outer end of the pressure plate 54 is provided with operating brackets 57, rigidly attached thereto, and cams 58 are arranged between these brackets and the upper surface of the pressure plate 54, for raising and lowering the outer end of the pressure plate. These cams are rigidly mounted upon a rock shaft 59, journaled in bearings formed'in the side members 38, and the rock shaft 59 is turned by means of a nut 60, or the like, which may be engaged by I a suitable tool, the rock shaft 59 havingsuitable frictional engagement within its bearings, so that it will remain in the adjusted position. The mechanism 23 is not shown as embodying pressure plate 54, which I have found to be unnecessary, but the pressure plate maybe used in con- 12;, nection with the mechanism 23, if desired. s

Each pair of sprocket chains 24 and 35 carry transverse stripping elements '61, preferably in the form of wire brushes. As more clearly shown in Figures 9 to 11, inclusive, each brush embodies 13 a back 62, carrying wire teeth 63. These wire teeth are suitably stiff and resilient and their outer ends are angularly' bent, as shown. The back 62 is arranged upon a rigid strip 64, and has clamping engagement with side members 65, de- 1 tachably connected with the rigid strip or base 64, by screws 66, or the like. The rigid strip 64 extends beyond the ends of the sides 65; and is rigidly connected with angle-irons, 67, bymeans of bolts 68, and each angle-iron is connected with an adjacent pair of pivots 63, included in the sprocket chain. .It is'thus seen that the brush element may be easily removed from the strip'or support 64, for repair or replacement, and that the brush element travels with its pair of sprocket 1 1 elements in the other set, so that each brush element in one set is adapted to be brought into a position directly opposite the brush element of the other set, such brush elements being superposed,

.as clearly shown in Figure 5. In order that the sets of sprocket chains 24 and 35 may travel in unison, the shafts 39 and 28 are positively geared together, and for this purpose a pinion 70 is rigidly mounted upon the lower shaft 28 in permanent engagement with a pinion 71, rigidly mounted upon the upper shaft 39. Means are provided to clean the brush elements 61, carried by the sprocket chains 35, including a rotary brush 72,

.vided to clean the brush element 61, carried by the sprocket chains 24, comprising a rotary brush 78, rigidly mounted upon a rotary shaft 79, journaled in suitable stationary bearings. This shaft 79 is provided at one end with a smaller sprocket wheel 80, engaged by an inwardly extending sprocket chain 81, engaging a larger sprocket wheel 82, rigidly mounted upon the shaft 30. The sprocket chains 76 and 81 are sufficiently slack so that they do not interfere with the adjustment of the tension regulating devices for controlling the tension of the sprocket chains 24 and 35.

The numeral 83 designates leaf feeding means extending transversely of and adjacent to the intake end of the stripping mechanism 22, and the numeral 84 designates leaf feeding means arranged in a similar relation to the stem butting mechanism 23. These feeding means are identical in all substantial respects. Each leaf feeding means embodies upper and lower endless structures 115 and 116. These endless structures are identical in. some respects, and the portions of the same which are identical will be described in connection with both of them. Each of the upper and lower endless structures embodies a pair of pulleys 117, each pulley being provided in its periphery with an annular groove 118 and having sides 118. The sides of each groove pulley are provided with sets of sprocket teeth 119. Each pulley is, therefore, a combined grooved pulley and sprocket wheel. Each endless structure further embodies an endless plate belt 120, and each plate belt is-formed of a plurality of rigid metal plates 121, see Figure 16, having interfitting knuckles 122 and 123, pivotally connected by pins 124. Each plate is provided upon its outer side with a pair of grooves 125, which, when the metal plates are assembled into the endless plate belt, constitute continuous endless grooves. clearly shown in Figure 16, the pins 124 carry on their ends, rollers 126 and these rollers are arranged to mesh with the sprocket wheel teeth 119,

the interfitting knuckles 122 and 123 of the several plates operating between the sides 118' of the grooved pulley. Each endless structure further embodies a roller chain, embodying a pair of endless chains 127, formed of a plurality of links 128 connected by pins 129, these pins rotatably carrying rollers 130, projecting beyond the edges of the links for a slight distance, as shown. These roller chains travel within the grooves of the pulleys 117, and there is sufiicient slack in the roller chains so that they need not be positively driven by the pulleys but can partake of movement with relation thereto, although they travel As more.

generally with the endless plate belt. The

' knuckles 122 and 123 of the plates of the endless plate belt traveling within the grooves 118 of the pulleys" 117, travel upon the rollers 130. The grooved pulleys 117 of the upper endless structure 115 of the feeding means 34 are mounted upon and have rotation with shafts 130 and 131, while the grooved pulleys 117 of the lower endless structure are mounted upon and have rotation with shafts 132 and 133. The shafts 130 and 131 are mounted upon a frame 134, arranged above the table top 20, and pivoted upon a shaft 135, to partake of slight vertical swinging movement, caused by the varying thicknesses of the tobacco leaves fed between the endless structures 115 and 116. The lower shafts 132 and 133 are mounted in fixed bearings 135'. The shafts 131 and 133 have engaging pinions 136, so that the shafts turn at the same speed and in opposite directions, with the result that-the adjacent upper and lower runs of the endless structures travel in the same direction and at the same speed. The means employed to drive the lower shaft 133 will be described later. The upper pair of pulleys 117 of the feeding means 83 are mounted upon shafts 130 and 131 carried by the frame 134. The lower pair of pulleys 117 of the feeding means 83 are rigidly mounted upon shafts 132 and 133', journaled in fixed bearings secured to the table or frame. The pinions 136 "are rigidly secured to the shafts 130' and 132', to cause them to rotate in unison and in opposite directions.

Arranged between the upper and lower runs of the endless roller chain 127, of each upper endless structure 115, is a stationary pressure guide 138, rigidly mounted upon the frame 134, and having its edge provided with a groove 139, Figure 13, receiving the lower run of the endless roller chain. This pressure guide serves to guide the roller chain in its travel and also serves to limit the upward movement of the same. Arranged between the runs of the roller chain 127 of each lower endless structure 116 is a stationary pressure guide 140 which is fixed upon the table. This pressure guide is provided at its upper edge with a horizontal groove 141, receiving the upper run of the roller chain. for guiding the same during its travel, and to limit the downward movement of such run. The guide 140 is mounted upon an arched base 142 having a passage 143, for the travel of the lower run of the endless structure 116.

Each upper endless structure 115 further embodies a pair of endless belts 144, preferably formed of rubber, having a reinforcing fabric backing. These rubber belts are held within the grooves 125 of the plates 121. Each lower endless structure 116 embodies a pair of endless belts 145, preferably formed of leather, and these endless belts 145 operate within the grooves 125 of 1 the plates. In view of the foregoing description, it will be seen that the lower and upper runs of the endless structures 115 and 116 are brought together, and the belts 144 and 145 trave 1:

close relation, in substantial parallel plaris. The

quietly and with the minimum friction and the minimum power. I

The feeding means 84, after passing the leaves through the butt stemming means, positively delivers the leaves to the feeding means 83 of the stripping mechanism 22. This is accomplished by having the adjacent inner ends of the feeding means 83 and 84 overlapping, the adjacent pulleys 117 having their shafts in alignment. 1 have found that the stripping means 22 will strip the leaves from the stem throughout the entire length of the stem, without breaking the stem to any considerable extent. This is a feature which is highly desirable to manufacturers of 7 some types of cigarettes, where it is not desired to have any appreciable amount of the stem in the cigarette. However, some manufacturers wish to use some of the stem in the cigarette, particularly the small end of the stem. To meet this condition, I provide means arranged at the feeding means of the butt stemming mechanism to score or weaken the leaf near its reduced or free end, so that the forward or reduced end of the stem will break when the leaf is subjected to the stripping action of the brushes within the stripping mechanism.

This s'coring means embodies an upper scoring disc 146, rigidly mounted upon an upper horizontal shaft 147, journaled in the ends of an inverted U-shaped frame 148, pivotally supported at one end by a shaft 149, journaled in. bearings 150. This frame is engaged by an adjusting bolt 151, and may be urged downwardly by this bolt, which also serves to limit its upward movement.

. Extending through an opening in the table top 20 is a co-acting scoring disc 152, arranged near and opposite the scoring disc 146, and rigidly mounted upon a rotatable shaft 153, journaled in bearings 154. These shafts are rotated in the same direction and at the same speed and in the direction of travel of the endless structures 115 and 116. The upper shaft 147 receives its rotation from a pulley 155, rigidly mounted thereon, driven by a belt. 156, engaging a pulley 157, mounted upon the shaft 131; The lower shaft 153 is equipped with a pulley 158, driven by a belt 159, driven by a pulley 160, mounted upon the shaft 133. The edges of the peripheries of the scoring discs 148 and 152 are blunt, so that they will not cut the leaves or stems, but will score or weaken them, so that the free ends of the stems will readily break off when subjected to the action of the endless stripping elements.

The feeding means 84 is slightly different from the feeding means 83, inasmuch as the lower belts 145 do not terminate with the upper pulleys 117,

' and while passing about these pulleys they are extended a substantial distance beyond the same,

' and engage about a grooved pulley 161, rigidly mounted upon a rotatable shaft 162. The upper runs of these belts 145 travel upon the upper surface of the table top and serve to feed the tobacco leaves to the feeding means 84, proper;

which is connected with the lower pinion 70.

'travels upon the upper surface of the table top 20, and this auxiliary belt 163 engages a grooved pulley 164, rigidly mounted upon the shaft 162. The opposite end of the belt 163 engages a grooved pulley 165, which is rigidly mounted upon the shaft 132. r Means are preferably provided for exerting a downward pull upon the swinging frame 134 of the feeding means 83, comprising eye-bolts 166, passing through openings formed in brackets 167, rigidly attached to the frame 134, and carrying adjustable thumb nuts 168. The lower ends of these eye-bolts are connected with retractile coil springs 169, attached at their lower ends to a stationary part of the frame.

The frame 134 of the feeding means 84 is forced downwardly by a U-shaped' pressure frame 170, the forward ends of which engage the top of the frame 134. At its closed end, the pressure frame has a knuckle 171, pivotally mounted upon the shaft 135', and this knuckle has an extension 172 to be engaged by an adjusting bolt 173, adjustably connected with a stationary part of the frame. The pressure frame 170, therefore, serves to force the frame 134 downwardly and to limit its upward movement.

The numeral 174 designates a,motor which drives 'the shaft 132' through suitable reduction gearing 176. This shaft 132' extends to the opposite-side of the machine, The lower pinion 136 of the feeding means 83 isrigidly mounted upon this shaft 132'. The shaft 132' is provided at its opposite end with a sprocket wheel 177, driving a sprocket chain 178,. engaging a sprocket wheel 179, which is rigidly mounted upon the shaft 133 of the feeding means 84. The stripping mechanism 22 is driven by a] bevel gear 180, rigidly connected with the lower pinion 70, and this bevel gear is driven by a bevel gearing 181, rigidly mounted upon the shaft 132. The butt stemming mechanism 23 is driven by a shaft 182,

This shaft is journaled in stationary bearings 183, and carries a bevel gear 184, driven by a bevel gear 185, rigidly mounted upon the shaft 132'. The operation of the machine is as follows: The feed mechanism 84 and the feed mechanism 83 are continuously driven at substantially the same speed, and their inner runs travel from left to right, as more clearly shown in Figure 7. The adjacent. ends of these feed mechanisms overlap and hence the feed mechanism 84 positively delivers the leaves to the feed mechanism 83. The tobacco leaves are placed upon the table top 20 and are distributed in suitable layer or layers upon the extension of the belts 145 and the belt 163, with their butt ends facing the butt 135 stemming mechanism 23. These leaves are carried between the endless structures of the feeding mechanism 84, with their butt ends projecting suitable distances beyond the same. The butt stemming means 23 is continuously driven and its endless brush carrying elements travel in unison with their inner runs traveling from the feeding means 84. The stripping brushes 61 of the butt stemming mechanism are brought together in pairs, engaging above and below the i ,45 scope of the 'subioined claims. endless devices.

to'any considerable extent. The leaves with their ranged near and above the lowerbelt, an upper butt ends thus stripped, are now transferred in endless belt carried bythe pressure support and a positive manner, to the feeding mechanism 83, disposed in cooperative relation to the lower belt,

which securely holds the stripped butt end porand rollers carried by the vertically movable 5 tions of the leaves and feeds or advances these pressure support and engaging the lower run of 80 leaves through the stripping means 22. The the upper belt to limit its upward movement with stripping means embodies the endless devices relation to the pressure support.

-having the stripping brushes, and these brushes 4. In a tobacco stemmin machine, leaf stripare brought together in pairs to engage above ping means and leaf-fee means arranged i0 and below the leaves and strip the blade from near and cooperating with the stripping means, 85

the stems throughout the entire length of the said leaf-feeding means comprising a lower endstems. The stripping action of the blades from less belt, rollers arranged beneath and engaging the stem is a delicate operation and frequently the upper run of the lower belt, a pivotally mountrequiresa fine adjustment of the pressure that ad pressure support arranged near and above the the brushes exert upon the leaves. This preslower belt to move vertically with relation thereto, 90

sale may have to be varied depending upon the anupper endless belt carried by the pressure sup- *grade, character or condition of thetobacco" port and disposed in cooperative relation to the leaves. It isfrequently necessary to gradually lower belt; and rollers carried by the pressure reduce the-pressure as the freeend ottheleaf support and arranged above and engaging the is approached as the stem tapers toward the free, lower run of the upper belt.

. end of the. leaf. Accurate adjustment of the- 5. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf strippressure between the brushes and the leaf may ping means, and leaf-feeding means arranged beeifected in-my machine, as more clearly shown nearand cooperating with the stripping means, in Figures 5 and 6; Byangularly adjusting the said leaf-feeding means comprising a lower endsupport 38, the brushes engaging the leaves near less belt, rollers arrangedbeneath the upper run 100 their butt ends may engage with the desired of the lower belt to limit its downward movement,

pressure; and this pressure gradually decreases a support arranged near and above the lower belt, in adirection from these butt ends. By adjustan upper endless belt carried by the support and ing the pressure plate 54. independently of the disposed in cooperativerelation to the lower belt,

support 38, the decreasing pressure may be acand rollers arranged above the lower run of the ,105

curately regulated, The completely stripped upper belt to limit its upward movement.

. stems discharge from the right end of the feed- 6. In a tobacco stemming machine, a pair of ing mechanism 83, while the blades from the endless devices arranged side by side in spaced butt ends of the stems discharge from the outrelation and having spaced stripping brushes.

let end of the butt stemming means 23, and the each brush being shorter than its endless device, 110 blades from the remaining portions of the stems said brushes having wirebristles, means for supdischarge from the discharge end of the strip: porting the endless devices with approximately ping means 22. no overlap between the bristles of cooperating It is to be understood that the form of my inbrushesat the point ot contact with the leaf so 40 ,vention herewith shown and described is to be that they strip the leaf from the stem without 115 1 taken as a preferred exainple of the same and unduly destroying the stem, means to drive the that various changes in the shape, size. and arendless devices in unison so that the brushes are rangement of parts may be resorted to without brought together in proper order, and leaf-feeddeparting from the spirit of my invention or the ing means operating near the intake ends of the Having thus described my. invention, what I 7. In a tobacco stemming machine. a pairv or claim is: I endless devices arranged side by side in spaced 1; In a tobacco stemming machine, stripping relation and having spaced stripping brushes,

means, and leaf-feeding means arranged near each brush being shorter than its endless device,

' and cooperating with the. stripping means, said means to drive the endless devices so that the 125 leaf-feeding means comprising a lower endless brushes are brought togetherin proper order,

belt, rollers arranged beneath the upper run of and continuously moving leaf-feeding means arthe belt, a vertically movable pressure/support arranged near the intake ends of the endless devides I ranged near and above the lower endless belt, to supply the leaves to the same and also serving an upper endless belt carried by the pressure supto positively hold the leaves from moving longi- 130 port and arranged -near and above the lower tudinally in the direction of travel of the endless endless belt, and rollers carried by the pressure devices. a

support and engaging the lower run of the upper 8. In a tobacco'stemming' machine, a fixed supbelt. v port,- an endless structure having its upper run 2. In a tobacco stemming machine, feeding traveling over the fixed support and held thereby 35 means comprising a. lower endless belt, rollers against downward flexing movement, spaced disposed beneath the upper run of the lower belt, brushes-carried by the endless structure, a swinga vertically movable pressure support arranged ing support pivotally supported near one end so shear and above the lower belt, an upper endless that its ppposite end may be adjusted different belt] carried by-the pressure support and disposed distances from the fixed support, an endless strucin cooperative relation to the lower belt, and ture carriedby the swinging support, spaced rollers carried by the pressure support and enbrushes carried by the last-named endless struc gaging the lower run of the upper endless belt. 'ture, and means to drive the endless structures 3. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf strip-' in unison so that the brushes of the two sets. are

70 ping means, and leaf-feeding means arranged brought together. a z e near and cooperating with the stripping means, 9. In a tobacco-stemming machine, a fixed sup- 5 said leaf-feeding means comprising a lower end-' port, an endless structure having s pp 111 less belt, rollers engaging the upper run of the traveling over the fixed support and held thereby -lower endless belt to limit its downward moveagain t downward fl xin qv spaced ment. a vertically movable pressure support arbrushes carried by the endless structure, a swing-' ported near the or such swinging support which is remote fromthe pivotal support of the same, said pressure element engaging above the lower run of the upper endless structure to adjust such run with relation to the fixed support, means to drive the endless structures in unison, \and left-feeding means operating near the intake ends of the endless structures. I g

10. In a tobacco stemming machine, a lower endless structure having agenerally horizontal upper run, a swinging support pivotally supdiseharge end of the lower endless structure and arranged abovethe lower endless structure, the free end of the swinging support being arranged near the intake end or the'lower endless structure, an upper endless structure carried by the swinging support and having a lower run, a pressure element arranged abovethe lower run of the upperendless structure and pivotally connected at one end with the swinging support nearthe free end of such swinging support, means to raise and lower the oppositeend of the pressure element, spaced brushes carried by the endless'structures, means to drive the endless structures in-unison, and leaf-feeding means arranged near the intake ends of the endless structures. I

. 11. In a tobacco steaming machine, a lower end-- less structure having a generally horizontal upper run, a swinging support arranged above such upper run and having its free end arranged near the intake end of the lower endless structure, means to adjust the swinging support to vary the distance between its free end and said upper run, an upper'endless structure carried by the swinging support and having a lower run, an angularly adjustable pressure element carried by the swinging support and arranged above the lower run to force the same downwardly, stripping elements'carried by the endless structures and spaced longitudinally of the same, means to drive the endless structures in unison, and

leaf-feeding means operating near the intake ends of the endless structures. I

12. In a tobacco stemming machine, a lower endless structure havinga generally horizontal upper run, an angularly adjustable support arranged near and above the-upper run, an upper endless structure carried by the angularly'adjustable support, a pressure element arranged above the lower run of the upper endless structure-and angularly adjustable with relation to the angularly adjustable support, spaced stripping elements carried by the endless structures, means to drive the endless structures, and leafieeding means operating near, the intake ends ot-the endless structures.

13. In autobacco stemming machine, a lower endless s cture having a generally horizontal upper run, asupport arrangednear and above the upper run, means for vertically adjusting a portion of the support withrelation to the upper run, an upper endless structure having a lower run and carried by the support, a pressure element carried by the support and arranged above the lower run to force the same downwardly, means for vertically adjusting a portion of the pressure element with relation to the l l l support, spaced stripping elements carried by the endless structures, means to drive the endless structures, and leaf-feeding means arranged near the intake .ends of the endless structures;

14; In a tobacco stemming machine, a lower '80 endless structure having a generally horizontal upper run, a support arranged near andabove the upper run and extending .longitudinally thereof, means to angularly adjust the support with relation to theupper' run, an endless structure carried by the. support and having a lower run, a pressure plate mounted upon the" sup-. port and extending longitudinally of the same above the lower run, means -to angularly adjust the"'pressure.plate with relation to the support, spaced stripping elements carried by the endless structures, means to drive the endless structures in unison, and feeding means operating near the intake ends of the endless struc-. tures and embodying upper and lower endle'ssstructures. 4 15. In -a tobacco stemming machine, a lower endless structure having a generally horizontal upper run, a support arranged nearand above a the upper run,

an endless structure carried by the support and embodying a lower-run, an adjustable pressure element carried by the support and coacting with the lower. run, anadju'stable tension regulatingdevice carried by 'the support and engaging the upper endlessstructure, spaced brushes carried,by the endless structures, a rotary brush arranged to engage with the brushes r of the upper endless structure to clean the same. means driven by the tension regulating mean's' fondriving the rotary brushjmeans to clean the brushes of the lower endless structure, means to drive the endless" structures, and leaf-feeding, means operating near the intake ends of the endle'ss structures; r

1 15. In a tobacco stemming machine, a lower endless structure havin a generally horizontal upper run, an adjustable support arranged near and above the upperrun, an endless structure carried by the support and embodying a lower run, an adjustable tensionregulatingdevice carried' by the upper support and engaging the upper Y an adjustable tension regulating device carried by the upper support and engaging the upper endless structure, spaced brushes carried by the endless structures, a rotary-brush mounted upon 126 the adjustable support and arranged tor'engagement with the brushes of the upper-endless structure, means" driven by the tension regulating means for driving the rotary brush 'meansto clean thebrushes of the lower endless structure, 130 means to drive the endless structures, and leafthe intake ends -the endless structures, rotary brushes arranged to engage with the stripping brushes of theendless structures to clean the same, means driven 14 by the tension regulating devices for driving the rotary brushes, means to 'drive the endless structures, and xleaI-Ieeding means for the endless structures. a I

18. Ina tobacco stemming machine, in combi- 14E nation, an angularly adjustable support, an endless structure carried thereby, leaf-stripping elements carried by the endless structure, an adjustable pressure element carried by the adjustable support and engaging the endless structure,

an adjustable tension regulating device carried by the supportand embodying a rotatable element driven by the endless structure, a rotary brush carried by the support and arranged for engagement with the leaf-stripping elements between the same, and driving means between the rotary brush and the rotary element.

1 9. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf-feeding means comprising a lower endless belt having an upper run, rollers disposed beneath the upper run for suppdrting said upper run, a vertically adjustable pressure support arranged near and above the lower belt, an upper endless belt carried by the pressure support and having a lower run extending beneath the pressure support and cogacting with the upper run of thelower belt, and

rollers carriedv by the pressure support for coaction with the lower .run of the upper belt.-.

20. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means and leaf-feeding means arranged near and cooperating with the stripping means, said leaf-feeding means comprising a lower endless belt having an upper run, rollers coacting with the upper run to limit its downward movestructures including endless roller carrying elements. 1

22. In a tobacco stemming machine, stripping means, and leaf-feedingmeans arranged near the stripping means, such feedingmeans comprising a pair of GDdIGSSStIUCtllfl-ES arranged in super-,

posed relation for afiording adjacent runs, endless roller carrying elements arranged within the endless structures to engage with the ad: jacent runs, and guide elements engaging the runs of the endless roller carrying elements.

23. In a tobacco stemming machine, leafstripping mechanism, and leaf-feeding means for the same, comprising a. pair of superposed endless plate belts having lateral extensions, flexible belts carried by the endless plate belts, a .pair of grooved pulleys for eacb'endless plate belt, each pulley embodying sets of sprocket teeth for engagement with the lateral extensions, an endless roller carrying eleinent arranged within each plate belt and operating within the groovesof the pulleys, and guide members engaging the inner runs of the endless roller carrying elements.

24. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf-stripping mechanism and leaf-feeding means for the same, comprising a pair of superposed endless plate belts, each plate belt comprising a plurality oiiplates, means pivotally connecting the plates,

. rollers oarriedby the pivotal means, flexible belts carried by the endless plate belts,.a pair of grooved pulleys for each endless. plate belt, each pulley embodying sets of sprocket teeth for engagement with the rollers, an endless roller carrying element arranged within each endless plate belt and operating within the grooves of thepulleys, and

guide members having grooves for receiving the inner runs of the endless roller carrying elements I of rigid pivotally connected plates, each plate having a pair of transverse grooves, extensions carried bythe plate belts, flexible belts extending longitudinally of each endless plate belt and arranged within said grooves, a pair of grooved pulleys for each endless plate belt, each pulley embodying sets of sprocket teeth for engagement with the extensions, an endless roller carrying element arranged within each endless plate belt and operating withinthe grooves of the pulleys, and guide members having grooves for receiving the inner runs oi the endless roller carrying elements.

26." In a tobacco stemming machine, leai-stripping mechanism, and leaf-feeding means for the same, comprising a pair of superposed endless plate. belts, each plate belt comprising a plurality of pivotally connected plates having extensions, flexible belts carried by the superposed endless plate belts with the flexible belt of the lower endless plate belt extending beyond an end of the same for a substantial distance a pulley engaging the outer end of this flexible belt, a pair of grooved pulleys for each endless plate belt, each pulley embodying sets of sprocket teeth for engagementwith the extensions, an endless roller carrying element arranged within each endless plate belt and operating within the grooves of the pulleys, and pressure guides having grooves for receiving the 'inner runs of the endless roller carrying elements.

2'7. In a tobacco stemming machine, leafstripping mechanism, and leaf-feedingmeansfor the same, comprising a. pair of superposed endless plate belts, each plate belt embodying a plurality of pivotally connected rigid plates, each plate having a transversegrobve, a compressible rubber endless belt extending about the upper endless plate belt and held within the plate grooves, a flexible endless belt extending about the lower endless plate belt and held within the plate grooves 01! the same, and means to drive at least one endless plate belt 28. In a, tobacco stemming machine, leaf-stripping means embodying a pair of endless devices, leaf-feeding means for the leaf-stripping means, and leaf-scoring means arranged near the leaf- -feeding means to engage with the leaves held therein. g

29. In ,a tobacco stemming machine, leafstripping mechanism, leaf-feeding means there- 3; for including a pair of superimposed endless structures, and leaf-scoring mechanism arranged near the endless structures to engage with the leaves lield therein.

/ 30. In a tobacco stemming machine, leafstripping mechanism, leai-feedin g means therefor, and a pair of superposed leaf-scoring devices arranged to engage with the leaves above and .below the same while they-are being advanced engage with the leaves being advanced by the leai-teeding means, a second leaf-feeding means reoeivingthe leaves from the tlrst-nalmed'leatside members secured to the bar and arranged for a brush for each bar embodying a back and wire teeth, the back being arranged upon the bar, and

clamping engagement with the back, the arrangement being such that the back may be readily removed from the bar.

33. In a tobacco stemming machine, a pair of endless devices arranged side by side in spaced relation and having spaced stripping brushes, each brush being shorter than its endless device, said brushes embodying yieldable wire bristles havin free end portions which are inclined in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the brushes, means to drive the endless devices in unison so that the brushes are brought together in proper order, and leaf feeding means operating near the intake ends of the endless devices.

34. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means comprising a pair, of endless belts having stripping brushes each stripping brush being shorter than its endless belt and having bristles, each brush having a, stripping movement lengthwise of the leaf and throughout the major portion of the length thereof. w

35. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means comprising a pair of endless belts having stripping brushes, each stripping brush being shorter than its endless belt and having flexible bristles, each brush having a stripping movement lengthwise of the leaf and throughout the major portion of the length thereof, and means to drive the belts so that their stripping brushes are brought together. a

36. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means comprising one or more pairs of superimposed endless belts having stripping brushes, each stripping brush being shorter than its endless belt and having flexible bristles arranged for engagement with the lamina of the leaf to strip the same from the stem, and meansto drive the belts so that their stripping brushes are brought together on opposite sides of the leaf for simultaneous action thereon and movement lengthwise'of the major portion thereof to strip the lamina from the stem.

3'7. Ina tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means comprising one or more pairs of superimposed endless belts having stripping brushes, each stripping brush beingshorter than its endless belt and having flexible bristles arranged for engagement with the lamina of the leaf to strip the same from the stem, and means to drive the belts so that their stripping brushes are brought together on opposite sides of the leaf for simultaneous action thereon and movement lengthwise of themajor portion thereof to strip the lamina from the stem, and means for feeding leaves continuously to and through said stripping means and holding the stems against lengthwise movement during said stripping action.

38. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf-stripping means comprising a pair' of endless devices arranged side by side in spaced relation and having spaced stripping brushes, each brush being shorter than its endless device, said brushes having wire bristles, means for supporting the endless devices with approximately no overlap benee -roe tween the bristles of cooperating brushes at the point of contact with the leaf so that they strip thedamina from the stem without unduly destroying the stem, and means to drive the endless devices in unison so that the brushes are brought together in proper order. a

39. In a tobacco stemming machine, superimposed 'endless devices, stripping means carried thereby, tension regulating devices for the endless devices, rotary cleaning elements arranged to engage with the stripping means of the endless devices to clean the same, and means driven by the tension regulating devices for driving the cleaning elements.

40. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means comprising superimposed endless devices carrying spaced stripping brushes havin I wire bristles, means for driving the endless devices in unison so that the brushes are brought together incooperative relation on opposite sides of a leaf, and means supporting the endless devices and guiding the movement-of the brushes with the bristles of cooperating brushes approximately slightly spaced apart withoutsubstantial overlap of the bristles of the cooperating brushes so that they strip the lamina from the stem without unduly destroying the stem.

41. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping means comprising superimposed pairs of endless devices arranged side by side in spaced 0 relation and carrying spaced stripping brushes having wire bristles, each brush being shorter than its endless device, means for driving the endless devices in unison so that the brushes are brought together in cooperative relation on opposite sides of a leaf, and means supporting the endless devices and guiding the movement of the brushes with the bristles of cooperating brushes slightly spaced apart lengthwise without substantial overlap of the bristles of cooperating brushes 1l5 so that they strip the lamina from the stem without unduly destroying the stem.

42. In a tobacco stemming machine, leaf stripping, means comprising superimposed pairs of endless devices arranged side by side in spaced 1 0 relation and carrying spaced stripping brushes having wire bristles, each brush being shorter than its endless device, means for driving the endless devices in unison so that the brushes are brought together in cooperative relation on opposite sides of a leaf, and means supporting the endless devices and guiding the movement of the brushes with the bristles of cooperating brushes slightly spaced apart lengthwise without substantial overlap of the bristles of cooperating I30 brushes so that they strip the lamina from the ,stem without unduly destroying the stem, and

that each brush has a stripping movement lengthwise of the leaf and throughout the major portion 1 5 of the length thereof, and means for driving the endless devices so that the brushes are brought together on opposite sides of the leaf.

THOMAS E. PASLEYQ 

